Nicaragua | Mukul Resort and Spa

- DETAILS, DETAILS -

TYPE: Nicaragua's first luxury resort.

ROOMS: Mukul has three categories of 'standard' room, called bohios. The bohios (think: bungalows) are quite large, and actually feel more like a small apartment than an entry level room. Mukul's bohios are impeccable - in design, aesthetic, and layout. Bathrooms are equally generous, with massive showers in addition to the requisite amenities. The property houses a multitude of unique villas, for those who may seek something larger.

POOL/GYM/GOLF: The outdoor areas -- especially the pool area -- are hard to beat. The gym is housed in it's own space, and is impeccably clean. It's a nice sized gym (and a somewhat utilitarian space), but it gets the job done. There's also a gorgeous David McLay Kidd-designed golf course, with sweeping panoramas.

RESTAURANT:Two restaurants onsite: La Mesa, the fine dining option, and a Terrazza, the casual, beach-oriented option. Overall, there's quite the culinary variety, with everything from traditional Nicaraguan nacatamales to sashimi. Making good use of the local ingredients, the fresh fruit and smoothies are especially delicious, and steak is alwaysa good idea at Mukul.

VIBE: Barefoot, relaxed luxury in an unspoiled setting.

SPA: The Spa Mukul (which is actually six separate spas) is the crowning jewel of Mukul. In fact, it may be the most impressive spa I've ever seen. Unlike most hotels, there is no general spa area: no locker rooms, no waiting rooms, no sauna/steam areas, and no people. Furthermore, the spa is not housed under one roof. When you book a treatment at Spa Mukul, you have an entire villa-sized space to yourself.

WIFI: Complimentary throughout.

KIDS: The property's 'Kul Kids' program offers day programs for children aged 4-12, and features a dedicated pool, playground, and open-air palapa.

LOCATION: Located on Nicaragua's Emerald Coast, surrounded by natural jungle. Managua International Airport (MGA) is approximately two hours away by car, or twenty minutes by helicopter.

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SMARTFLYER EXCLUSIVE AMENITIES:

Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests, served in restaurantUpgrade on arrival, subject to availabilityFor stays in a bohio: one US $100 resort credit to be utilized during stayFor stays in a villa: one US $200 resort credit to be utilized during stay

- A few things -

There is no other way to put it: the layout and of Mukul is beyond reproach. Designers and architects did an excellent job in creating a space that felt uniquely Nicaraguan and true to the property's surroundings. Bohios, even those on the golf course, felt extremely integrated with the surrounding forest. If there's any doubt that you're in a unique, natural habitat in the middle of a forest, just wait until you wake up in the morning to squawking parrots and gray foxes lurking around your deck.

What they're doing is almost revolutionary: in a country that didn't see it's first million tourists until 2010, they've opened an ultra-luxury resort in a hideaway part of Nicaragua, previously known only to backpackers and surfers. Instead of waiting for tourism to appear, they're giving tourists a reason to come.